Washington/New Delhi, 24 April (H.S.): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stated that on the ongoing tensions in West Asia, the RSS stands fully behind the Indian government's policy, response, and approach, and has no separate opinion of its own. Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, We are proud of him, and he too takes pride in being associated with our organization.

During a discussion at the prestigious Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., moderated by senior journalist and The Wall Street Journal columnist Walter Russell Mead, Hosabale addressed questions on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the government, and the RSS. He stated that since the BJP’s founding in 1980, its leaders and organisers have been connected to the RSS. Today, more than 40 organisations inspired by RSS ideology form a nationwide network.

Responding to questions from members of the American diaspora, he said it is the responsibility of Indian-origin U.S. citizens to fulfil their civic duties towards their country while also engaging in activities that honour the cultural identity of their ancestral homeland.

In response to another question, he acknowledged that misconceptions about the RSS exist not only among Americans but also in India.

In this centenary year, we are reaching out to the masses through Panch Parivartan programmes. This is not just for India or Indians, but an idea acceptable to the entire world. He emphasised that India’s philosophy views the whole world as one family. This spiritual ideology, rooted in cultural values, forms the basis of the RSS’s efforts in public awakening for the welfare of the nation, society, and humanity—a mission it will continue.

On his U.S. visit, Hosabale said at the Hudson Institute discussion that reflecting on the past 100 years, as the organisation’s strength has grown steadily, it has fostered not arrogance but humility. This reinforces our conviction to ceaselessly serve humanity.

He noted that the RSS, which began 100 years ago with a few children, has grown into one of the world’s largest organisations through its unique daily shakha system.

Clarifying the difference between volunteers and swayamsevaks, he said volunteers may work for limited hours for payment, honour, or recognition, whereas RSS shakhas instil values from the outset that inspire selfless service to society and the nation. In truth, being a swayamsevak is a way of life.

Responding to Mead, Hosabale said Americans harbour misconceptions not only about the RSS but also about India, often still viewing it through outdated stereotypes. However, he said India’s philosophy promotes the idea of the world as one family. Today, India has embraced modernity and development while upholding its cultural values, emerging as the world’s fourth-largest economy and achieving milestones such as reaching the moon. He added that on issues related to India, its minorities, relations with neighbours, and its global role, the RSS believes that misconceptions and challenges can be resolved through continuous dialogue and people-to-people engagement, fostering harmony.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar